Monitoring and verification require that the prime contractor
and the selected vendors have a complete and mutual understanding of the
standards and quality requirements imposed. A requirements data package should
be supplied to each vendor. These data sets then form the foundation for
mutual agreement regarding the requirements of a purchase. It is also
essential to establish measurement compatibility between the prime
contractorís inspection department and the vendorís inspection department
should conflicts arise (i.e., a part tests good at vendor final inspection and
fails incoming inspection).

Monitoring requirements may vary with the type of procurement
(off-the-shelf purchase, etc.). Therefore it is important to assess and plan
for the effort that will be required, to define the monitoring requirement
associated with the various types of procurement. For example, if component
parts are procured from a distributor then the monitoring should consist of
verifying that QA and Reliability requirements are developed, that
Certificates of Compliance are available, that the Defense Material
Administration is monitoring, etc.